National Assembly Passes Four Bills to Bolster Cameroon’s Global Partnerships

Cameroon’s National Assembly Sunday, November 24, 2024, adopted four pivotal bills aimed at strengthening the country’s international ties and governance frameworks.

The plenary sitting, chaired by Deputy Speaker, Hon. Kombo Gberi, lasted over four hours and witnessed extensive deliberations.

Hon. Ndongo Moutome Epse Pokossy Doumbe and Mr. Essian André Noël assisted in steering the session.

Ratification of Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances

Bill No. 2066 authorises Cameroon to ratify the Beijing Treaty, adopted on June 24, 2012, in China.

This treaty seeks to enhance the protection of audiovisual performances globally.

The report was presented by Hon. Mbeyo’o Josué and defended by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Ismaël Bidoung Mkpatt.

Following a question from Hon. Ngo Issi Rolande, which the Minister addressed, the bill was unanimously adopted.

Convention on Combating International Terrorism

Bill No. 2067 empowers the President of the Republic to ratify the Convention of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to combat international terrorism, signed in Ouagadougou on July 1, 1999.

Hon. Yaya Doumba presented the report, while Foreign Affairs Minister Lejeune Mbella Mbella fielded questions from Hon. Douvaouissa Aissa Hamadi, Hon. Salmana Amadou Ali, and Hon. Adamu Edward Lambe before the bill’s approval.

Marine Aids to Navigation

Bill No. 2070 authorises Cameroon to ratify the convention on establishing the International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation.

This agreement, adopted on February 28, 2020, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, aims to enhance maritime safety and navigation standards.

Hon. Manju Nestus Fru presented the report, while Transport Minister Mr. Jean Ernest Ngalle Massena Bibehe provided clarifications.

Contributions from Hon. Njume Peter Ambang, Hon. Ngalle Daniel Etongo, Hon. Mpon François Xavier, Hon. Ngo Issi Rolande, and Hon. Essomba Bengono Engelbert enriched the debate before the bill’s adoption.

Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on Geographical Indications

Bill No. 2071 authorises Cameroon’s accession to the Geneva Act, adopted on May 20, 2015.

This treaty enhances the international protection of appellations of origin and geographical indications, promoting fair competition and recognition of quality goods.

Hon. Nanga Mefant Berthe Owono presented the report, while interim Minister of Mines, Industry, and Technological Development Professor Fuh Calistus Gentry defended the bill.

Hon. Malomba Esembe, Hon. Ngoko Mambe Marie Louise, Hon. Njume Peter Ambang, and Hon. Tabouli Célestin contributed to the discussions before the bill’s approval.

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